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Kerala's snake boat racers battle floods and finances to keep tradition alive
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Culture & Society

Kerala's snake boat racers battle floods and finances to keep tradition alive

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Kerala's traditional snake boat racing, 'vallam kali,' faces challenges from floods and financial difficulties, yet remains a vibrant cultural event.
  • Despite devastating floods impacting the Alappuzha district, rowers like Vakkachan Theverkkat continue rigorous training for prestigious races like the Nehru Trophy.
  • Community-owned boats, such as 'Vicious Veeru,' require significant funding, with boat-owning communities receiving limited support despite their efforts to preserve the sport.

In Kerala, India, the centuries-old tradition of 'vallam kali,' or snake boat racing, continues to captivate thousands despite facing formidable challenges from monsoon floods and financial strain. This weekend, around 20 long, slender wooden boats, each powered by approximately 100 rowers, will race through the state's backwaters for the prestigious Nehru Trophy.

The Alappuzha district, historically known as the rice bowl of Kerala, is particularly vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon season. While many villagers view the swollen rivers with trepidation, figures like Vakkachan Theverkkat, a leading captain for the United Boat Club (UBC), see it as an opportunity to train his 150-odd rowers. UBC, based in Kainakary, has a storied history with the Nehru Trophy, having competed since 1963 and won it 12 times, making them the club with the most wins and losses.

It runs in my family.

— Vakkachan TheverkkatThe leading captain of the Kainakary-based United Boat Club (UBC) on his long-standing involvement in snake boat racing.

Even as recent deadly floods claimed lives and displaced thousands across Kerala, affecting parts of Kainakary, UBC maintained its demanding practice schedule. Their rowers, a mix of locals and individuals from distant Indian states, continue their twice-daily training. UBC is considered a strong contender for a 13th Nehru Trophy victory, as they will be rowing 'Veeyapuram,' the boat that won the trophy and the Champions Boat League last season.

'Veeyapuram,' nicknamed 'Vicious Veeru,' is a community-owned snake boat funded by villagers who raised around 9 million Indian rupees ($94,300) in 2019. Each season's funding nears 7 million rupees ($73,000), with minimal returns from sponsors and prize money. Shareholder Manikanthan Nair TM notes that despite the Kerala government's use of these races for tourism promotion, the boat-owning communities receive little assistance as they struggle to keep the sport alive amidst financial hardship and natural disasters.

Our club has won the Nehru Trophy the most times and also lost it the most times.

— Vakkachan TheverkkatThe leading captain of the UBC highlighting the club's competitive history.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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